Protecting Australia's vulnerable marine ecosystems
Australia's marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure, facing challenges from declining biodiversity to the accelerating threat of coastal erosion and the effects of a changing climate. The impacts are felt across industries, livelihoods, and the broader environment. Legacy Habitats, a Queensland-based company, recognised the urgent need for innovative and practical solutions to address these critical issues.
The innovation: cost-effective, scalable artificial reef modules
Legacy Habitats developed a reef module, to be installed as a reef system designed for efficient manufacturing, easy deployment, and robust performance in harsh marine environments. Co-designed with industry stakeholders, the reef module addresses critical market needs by offering a cost-effective and scalable solution, crucial for widespread ecosystem restoration. Its modular design allows for easy stacking and deployment, reducing costs and simplifying logistics.
Validation and commercialisation
Ignite Spark funding is pivotal in supporting Legacy Habitats towards the reef module’s commercialisation. Rigorous testing, conducted at the University of Western Australia’s flume tanks, confirmed the module's stability and hydrodynamic properties, crucial for commercial deployment. This validation, along with engineering and design refinements, and considerations for protection of intellectual property, is paving the way towards commercialisation. The funding has enabled the company to build and test full scale models, and to engage experts to certify the products.
Environmental and economic growth
The project delivers tangible benefits: enhanced marine ecosystems through increased biodiversity, improved coastal protection by mitigating wave energy, expanded recreational opportunities, and stimulated economic growth. The successful testing and validation have generated significant interest from potential clients, leading to engagement on multiple projects across Australia.
The future: leading marine restoration
Legacy Habitats is now positioned to be a leader in marine restoration, offering a sustainable and scalable solution that benefits both the environment and the economy. The company's modular design, and the testing that has been completed to date, allows for a range of projects to be undertaken, from small scale habitat restoration, to large scale coastal protection.
About Ignite Spark
The Ignite Spark program provides early-stage funding to innovative Queensland businesses, enabling them to test and validate their ideas. Legacy Habitats leveraged this support to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their groundbreaking artificial reef technology.
Find out more about Ignite program and other funding opportunities.
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Last updated: 07 Nov 2025